PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation No Longer Granting IRE Requests After Protz Decision

The fallout from the decision rendered by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in the Protz case is only just beginning.  Since this decision will change how workers’ compensation cases are handled in PA (at least for the moment), the PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has now issued a statement on the front page of its official website (WCAIS).  In its entirety, the statement reads:

“On June 20, 2017, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued its decision in Protz v. WCAB (Derry Area School District), Nos 6 WAP 2016, 7 WAP 2017, holding that Section 306(a.2) of the Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § 511.2) is an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority.  The Court’s opinion makes clear that the entirety of Section 306(a.2) is unconstitutional.  Therefore, effective immediately, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will no longer designate physicians to perform Impairment Rating Evaluations.”

As the Protz decision has rocked the PA workers’ compensation system, we will be closely following developments.  Check our blog often for updates!